Govts fight over 'Highway One'

Govts fight over Highway One - The West Australian

Perth and Canberra are squabbling once again over the funding of a key piece of infrastructure in Western Australia.

This time the argument between the State and Federal Governments centres on funding for the Great Eastern Highway between Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Southern Cross.

Premier Colin Barnett yesterday announced $48 million over four years to build 15 new passing lanes on the highway after 142 accidents and three fatal crashes over the past five years.

One of the most prominent fatal crashes involved a car which tried to overtake a truck, moving onto the wrong side of the road, and crashed into a van carrying two families travelling from Perth. Three adults died from the crash and four children were seriously injured.

Despite the funding pledge, Mr Barnett conceded there were other problems with the road including its standard and its width in places.

Mr Barnett told reporters the Federal Government had not spent money on the road and the previous Labor Government had made little investment over eight years.